JTBF Mission to Thailand 2009 (2/23-2/27)

Visit to Japanese Embassy

reported by Taketoshi Arikawa (Vice Chairman of JTBF)

  After exchanging greetings, Mr. Kitayama introduced JTBF, its establishment, membership and organization as well as committee structure. Then, each member introduced himself.

   Ambassador briefed the current status as follows.
"I was assigned to Thailand on Sep. 20th, 2008. So far as I have viewed Thailand for past 5 months, it looks that Thailand has recovered superficial calmness. The recent visit of Prime Minister Abhisit to Japan made us feel a positive and forward-looking stance of Thailand. On the other hand, the world-wide economy recession, which was triggered by so called Lehman shock, has started affect Thailand also. Getting more and more serious since the beginning of this year and unemployment is outlooked to grow to a certain extent. Government, while it has made the emergency budget of 117 billions Baht clear the legislature, seems to consider additional drastic measures."

  Responding to questions in regard to possibility of recurrence of Airport closure as associated with stability of Thai government, Ambassador referred to Ryo Ishikawa, the popular golf player who had just participated in a golf tournament held in Thailand or Ai Miyazato, another popular golf player who was scheduled to visit Thailand in the near future, saying that their visits could be a visible safety proof of Thailand, so to say an easy-to-understand example. Ambassador also commented;

  The political change towards the last year end was accepted in a general aspect because (1) majority of Thai people felt bored by the political confusion (2) they thought serious economy problems must be overcome with a higher priority. Ambassador expressed his positive view of stabilization that it will be much improved as time goes on through this year. In regard to Airport closure, it will not recur, as Ambassador answered, because Thaksin favored party has committed not to resort to violence. On the other hand, as Ambassador added, Government must solve the economy problems as soon as possible, otherwise it will be difficult to stay in power.

  Counselor Ikkatai explained about "flat‐sum cash benefits", which will be executed also in Thailand same as in Japan. It will cover 1.9 millions of people. Its coverage is limited to social insurance members because, otherwise, it is difficult to define recipients. Even though farmers are not included in this scheme, they will receive the similar benefits from a different fund. The "flat‐sum cash benefits" must be consumed to stimulate economy, then it will take a form of coupon ticket. (Ref. Note below)

  As to decrease of tourists, Ambassador commented European tourists have come back to a certain extent already and that it is expected to see Japanese tourists come back gradually. As to the dual price of tourism, Ambassador shared his opinion that the hotel is expensive indeed.

  As Ambassador's response to a question in regard to GMS development, Embassy is supporting the development of GMS strongly with an emphasis on logistics utilizing East-West corridor, that electric and electronic parts, majority of the demand, are expected to pass within 4 days between Hanoi and Thailand and that custom clearance, currently taking 1-2 days, must be improved.

  While the meeting exceeded one hour, Ambassador and Counselor gave us considerate explanations. A sincere desire of our members was that we would like to see Thailand come back to most popular country for Japanese again, at the earliest possible date.

At Japanese Embassy; Left side from right to left; Mr. K. Komachi (Ambassador), Mr. K. Ikkatai (Counsellor), Ms. K. Kurachi (Researcher)

  Note： According to later newspaper reports, Thai Government started to hand out 2,000 baht checks on March 26th and being handed out until April 8. Also is reported that recipients will be around 10 million people.